 "Polling begins in Chhattisgarh")
Polling began Monday in 18 constituencies of Chhattisgarh that are going to the polls in the first phase of assembly elections.
Voting started at 7 a.m. in 12 seats of the Maoist bastion of Bastar region and some booths in Rajnandgaon district, an official said. Voting will continue in these areas till 3 p.m.
The official said polling began at 8 a.m. in the remaining booths of the six seats in Rajnandgaon district. Voters in these areas can exercise their franchise till 5 p.m.
The voting for the remaining 72 seats in the state will take place Nov 19.